BY THE CANBERRA TIMES
It’s been nearly 29 years since David Westley won the premiership with the Canberra Raiders, but the memories made in the capital are unforgettable.
Westley happily travelled down memory lane while back in Canberra over the weekend along with a group of Raiders greats for the annual Forever Green round.
The former Papua New Guinea international was announced on Saturday night as the latest addition to the club’s Hall of Fame with fellow Raiders legend, John Lomax.
The pair (Westley and Lomax) were presented with a plaque before kick-off at Canberra Stadium and in one of the most special aspects of ‘old boys’ round’, post-game the current Raiders squad shared a beer and some war stories with past players and staff.
“It is a proud moment being named in the hall of fame,” Westley told The Canberra Times.
“It brought up a lot of reflection about my life in general and people that were involved to get me this great honour.
“I’ve got a lot of people to thank – my family and coaches for my career, and especially the Raiders for what they did for me when I came to the club and how they developed me into a man.”
Recruited by Tim Sheens, Westley played 98 games for the Raiders between 1993-99 before joining the Parramatta Eels for two seasons and finishing his career with the Northern Eagles in 2002.
The highlight of Westley’s time in Canberra was the 1994 premiership triumph, and the legendary forward was able to share some of those memories with the Raiders in Friday’s team meeting.
“When you get older you get to appreciate more,” the 48-year-old said.
“I’m more thankful now about winning the grand final and being part of this club than ever.
“I’m glad they liked my stories, and it got a bit emotional in there, but it’s a good group and I could feel that energy in there that they all want to play for each other.”
Westley wasn’t afraid to stitch up his former teammate Ricky Stuart though.
“Sticky was a scary man to play with as my halfback and directing us forwards,” he joked.
Stuart said the Raiders were captivated by every word Westley spoke, and the coach strongly believes that recognising the club’s proud history was important for establishing their team culture.
“Glenn Lazarus and Lincoln Withers were also in the room, and other players from all different eras,” Stuart said.
“The values David spoke about are the values we still promote and live today as Raiders.
“The strongest thing that David spoke about was how this club was a family to him, moving from PNG to Australia, and to Canberra.
“It came from the heart, and it was so nice to hear.
He was a wonderful player and I know when the players are focused and listening. You could have heard a pin drop.
“For a quiet bloke, David spoke so well and it was wonderful to have him here.”